Wait fails to dampen Olympiacos expectation

A two-hour wait in Kiev Airport has not dampened the mood at Olympiacos CFP as they prepare to face FC Metalist Kharkiv in peak form, with midfielder Luciano Galletti saying: "We are improving with each game and gaining in confidence."

Flight delayed
Ernesto Valverde's side's patience was tested on Tuesday morning as their charter flight was held in the Ukrainian capital, in the hope that fog would clear at Kharkov airport. Despite that inconvenience, spirits remained high among the playing staff, thanks in no small part to a winning streak at home and in Europe. Four points clear at the top of the Greek table, the Piraeus outfit beat SL Benfica 5-1 in their last UEFA Cup game.

Impressive opening
"Against Benfica, it was important for us to be aggressive from minute one," said Valverde, whose charges atoned for a 1-0 away defeat by Galatasaray AŞ on Matchday 1. "I'm pleased that we were 3-0 up after 25 minutes. We beat a great team and it was harder than the 5-1 scoreline suggests. We are enjoying our success, but we have to work harder to eliminate any errors."

'Different game'
Former RCD Espanyol coach Valverde knows that pride tends to come before a fall, noting: "This will be a totally different game than the one against Benfica and we cannot adopt the same attacking strategy. Tactics will play a big part. It will be a close game. The fact that Metalist are not well known in Europe makes them even more dangerous." Having overcome Galatasaray in Istanbul, their hosts are certainly capable of causing danger, particularly since they are just a win away from a berth in the Round of 32.

Metalist factor
Argentinian midfielder Luciano Galletti confirmed his side's respect for their opponents, while also talking up his own team's chances: "Metalist have plenty of skill and no shortage of motivation. Much could depend on the weather and the pitch conditions. Our primary aim is to win this match and seal our qualification. Our latest performances are a source of optimism; we're improving with each game and gaining in confidence."

Fans appreciative
Fans in Piraeus are also gaining in confidence, with players being treated to a new chant which translates as: "That's the Olympiacos we've been dreaming of." Brazilian forward Diogo Luis Santo – who scored twice against Benfica – and Argentinian foil Fernando Belluschi have been the big stars, with the latter adding: "It feels like I have been playing alongside Diogo for ever."

Up to it
Midfielder Ieroklis Stoltidis and striker Darko Kovačević will miss out through injury, but Belluschi senses that the rest of his team-mates cannot wait to play. "There is real chemistry in this Olympiacos side," he said. "Every player knows their job on the pitch." Their task in Kharkov is sure to be a tough one, but on current form Olympiacos should be up to it.